Plum blossoms bloom on branches at Taipei Confucius Temple—weekend outings to enjoy spring flowers are just in time

Text/Photo report by Li Xinyi, compiled by MOOK Travel Life Network

 

After several days of cold fronts following New Year’s Day 2013, the winter plum blossoms in front of the Minglun Hall at Taipei Confucius Temple suddenly burst into bloom. The small white flowers, with their faint delicate fragrance, fearlessly faced the cold winds and bloomed delicately. Now, people don’t need to brave traffic jams driving up the mountains. In downtown Taipei, they can admire the beautiful plum blossoms simply by taking the mass rapid transit system to Yuanshan Station, walking a short distance to Taipei Confucius Temple, and upon entering the campus gate, they are greeted by the faint floral scent. Before their eyes are the white plum blossoms blooming on the branches, set against the backdrop of the ancient Confucius Temple architecture, creating a scene that seems out of time, elegant and quaint. Though the plum trees on flat land may not be as large or lush as those in the mountains, many keen-eyed visitors still come to admire the flowers.

Huang Lü-jin-ju, Director of Taipei City Government Civil Affairs Bureau, said that there are several plum trees in the courtyard of Taipei Confucius Temple, which are currently in full bloom, creating a lively scene. The outdoor garden space of the Confucius Temple also features other Confucian-themed plants such as peach trees, plum trees, camellias, and osmanthus, which bloom in sequence according to the seasons. The public is welcome to visit the Confucius Temple for spring outings, flower viewing, and taking photos. At the end of the year, two special promotional items have been launched: a set of Q-version Confucius-shaped magnets and a classic Confucius Temple playing card deck. Starting now, these will be given respectively to groups who book to watch the 4D theater films and to the first 30 on-site visitors before each screening, limited in quantity, one per person, while supplies last.

To celebrate the 2013 Lunar New Year, the Confucius Temple will host the “Blessings of Spring – Celebrity Calligraphy Spring Couplets Giveaway” event on February 2; from February 10 to February 15 (the first to sixth days of the Lunar New Year), the “Fortune Soars Like a Dragon – Customized Blessing Cards” activity will take place. Lantern decorations are also planned for the Lantern Festival period, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of the Confucius Temple even at night.

 

 

● Read more: A colorful floral feast—three major exhibitions compete in splendor at the Flower Expo Park

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